Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 September 1895 — At Play in an Oasis. [ARTICLE]

At Play in an Oasis.

There are certain spots in the great Sahara desert—alas! too few, so the naffVes think—where there is plenty of water and the palm tree grows luxuriantly. These delightful places are called oases, and there is one in Biskra in Algeria, on the northern fringe of the Sahara—“where all the prospect pleases and only man is vile.” Nevertheless vile man needs his amusements, and the Caid, or military governor, of Biskra, finds his chief recreation in hawking. The hawks are carried on the men’s) heads and shoulders, and oftentimes on both. Hawking is one of the oldest of sports and is keenly enjoyed by everyone, except the poor.unfortunate victims.